All About Food Allergy and How to Treat It

Chicken Allergy

The chicken allergy might sound bizarre, but some people are already suffering from this. The number of people affected by this problem is handful in number. But still it can create same volume of irritation and discomfort in the form of skin rash, hives and inflammation and other respiratory problem among the sufferers. There are only about 0.5-6% of people have chicken allergies in the United States. Actually this number includes both chicken and egg allergy. But when someone specifies chicken allergy this actually indicates a chicken meat allergy and not egg or the yolk. You should know that egg is one of the eight most common food allergens which cause severe reaction. But the chicken meat allergy is not that much intensive in terms of reaction. Some people might suffer from egg allergy just because he/she has an allergy to chicken. This condition is called a bird-egg syndrome. But the possibility of such condition is very rare among sufferers. When you visit the concerned doctor make sure to mention exactly which particular thing (meat or egg) is the reason for hypersensitivity otherwise proper treatment won’t be available to apply. The volume of irritation will vary as well which is another indication of the type of allergy. Even though this is not that difficult to figure out the food allergen especially when it happens on a regular basis, but you should never react like a doctor by yourself and take decisions. Only an allergist can arrange medical tests and inform you with evidence.

Today you will find chicken recipes almost in every restaurant if it is for non-vegetarian. A variety of soup usually includes a trace of it in it. Many people consume chicken as an alternative of meat or beef due to less cholesterol and calorie. The fried chicken, burger, pizza, nuggets, sauces and turkey are completely prohibited for the sufferers from chicken allergy. Even some people are so sensitive that tiny amount of this meat is enough for them to trigger an allergic reaction within a few minutes. It’s very tempting to see your friends are taking all these alluring foods and you can’t. But you don’t have any other option left when you are diagnosed with such problem. Some people might take a few tablets in prior to taking a chicken containing food to avoid the reaction to take affects, but this is not probably the right way to treat such problem. You never know when the reaction turns to severe and you might need to get admitted in a hospital due to anaphylactic shock.

What Causes a Chicken Allergy?

The immune system of the body reacts seriously whenever chicken containing foods are ingested. It tries to block those invaders by releasing antibodies IgE. This antibody and protein of food come in contact and tries to oppose each other. As a consequence along with some other chemicals Histamine is produced. The excessive histamine creates the allergic reaction in soft tissues like skin. It is common among adults and the reaction can start revealing as quick as within 10 minutes after consumption. Even if you use a spoon which was managed by someone else for chicken, the reaction can start. So, either in a restaurant or home, it is better to maintain a certain distance from chicken meat.

Chicken Allergy Symptoms:

These are some of the most common symptoms usually found among the sufferers and can be treated as an indication.

Abdominal pain

Anaphylaxis (rarely happens).

Asthma

Breathing difficulty

Chronic sore throat

Coughing

Diarrhea

Eczema

Itchy eyes, nose, skin, throat

Nausea

Redness in skin and eyes

Runny nose

Scratchy throat

Sneezing

Sore eyes

Stomach cramps

Swollen eyes

Vomiting

Watery eyes

Wheezing

Tests and Treatments:

It is very important to diagnose this allergy in prior to prescribe a medicine by a doctor. The skin prick test should be conducted along with blood tests which ensures the availability of this allergy in the body. The immediate you conduct a test, the faster a treatment can be started.

Upon suggestions by allergists, antihistamine can be used for a quick relief for mild reaction. You can also carry Benadryl which treats against the Histamine. Steroids is usually not required unless a doctor suggests it. In case the reaction is extreme and anaphylaxis triggers, this is important to come under the supervision of the doctor as soon as possible without depending on the medicine only. Beside this epinephrine injection with the portable injector need to shoot.

But it is always recommended to avoid all sorts of chicken from foods. Read the food label very carefully when you are about to buy a processed food from the supermarket. Although it is tough and can be frustrating at initial days to opt with chicken free lifestyle but upon practice and patience make it a permanent habit.